Online petition calls for Hamilton City Council to address road safety

The latest string of road fatalities includes the death of a 42-year old man who was struck on Upper Wentworth on Friday. The young father’s passing has sparked reaction and an online petition directed for Hamilton City Council to address road safety.

Nine deaths have occurred on the road so far this year. Eight of them involved pedestrians, a trend of great concern in Hamilton.

Hamilton’s Kojo Dampety has launched a petition representing mountain residents looking for Hamilton City Hall to respond to the rash of deadly collisions with more calming measures, road audits, and stronger public awareness for safer driving.

42-year-old Glen Harison Clark of Hamilton died in hospital on Saturday after he was struck by a vehicle heading southbound on Upper Wentworth on Friday. The driver fled the scene and police tell CHCH News they found the vehicle, but no word yet on if a driver has been charged.

Three days earlier, renowned conductor Boris Brott was hit and killed. The week before, while walking home from school a 14-year old girl was seriously injured in a collision on Dundurn and Main. Four people, 3 of who were pedestrians were killed in a horrific car crash at King and Main the week prior.

Retired traffic sergeant with Hamilton Police, Claus Wagner says even though some of the crashes this year have been criminal acts, behaviourial trends like less attentiveness and aggressive speeding are problematic.

Director of training with Young Drivers Canada, Scott Marshall says while drivers must still do their part in road safety, traffic infrastructure is in need of upgrading.

Damptey says the petition is expected to be open for a week.